Storage system

ABSTRACT

The present invention allows a pair to be formed between a plurality of discrete volumes and the progress thereof to be managed by means of a remote operation from a management server. The management server  10  instructs respective host computers  20, 30  to generate configuration files  23, 33 . Next, the management server  10  instructs the host computers  20, 30  to start up the HORCM instances  24, 34 . The generation of the configuration files and the startup of the HORCM instances can be separated. In one mode, configuration files are generated and instances are started up, while, in another mode, only configuration files are generated. In yet another mode, the HORCM instances are started up when predetermined conditions are fulfilled. A more flexible operation can thus be performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-61686 filed on Mar. 5, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a storage system that connects a storage device, such as a disk array subsystem, for example, and a host computer via a communication network.

2. Description of the Related Art

Data management systems, which handle large volumes of data, such as those in local governments, corporations, and so forth, for example, manage data by using a storage subsystem such as a disk array device. A disk array device is constituted by arranging a multiplicity of disks in the form of an array, and is constructed based on a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Inexpensive Disks), for example. In a disk array device, a logical volume constituting a logical storage region can be constructed on a physical disk. The disk array device provides a host computer such as an application server with a logical volume.

The host computer and disk array device are connected via a communication network such as a SAN (Storage Area Network), for example. Each host computer connected to the SAN is capable of reading and writing data by accessing a self-allocated logical volume (or one the host computer has access rights for) among the logical volumes that the disk array device comprises.

A technology that provides a SAN with a management server, connects each host computer, storage device, and so forth, to a management server by means of a LAN (Local Area Network), and performs integrated control is also known (Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 2002-63063).

A data group used by the host computer executing a variety of tasks must be backed up at regular or irregular intervals. The volume content of the host computer (task server) providing a client with task services is copied to a host computer (backup server) that performs backup processing. Further, the volume content that is copied to the backup server is backed up to a backup device such as a tape device, for example.

For example, when a task server volume is backed up, each logical volume (LU) is allocated to a task server and backup server, and a copy pair consisting of a primary volume, which is to be the copy source, and a secondary volume, which is to be the copy destination, is established. Volume copying is then executed when the opportunity arises.

Therefore, the configuration of the storage system must be suitably changed in accordance with occasional requests to that effect. However, even when a management server is provided, the labor involved in setting and changing storage configuration information via a network is complex. When, for example, a storage administrator changes the configuration of a storage system and so forth, the configurational change must be reported by telephone, email, or the like, to the administrator of each host computer sharing the storage. Furthermore, because configuration information held by each host computer must also be suitably changed in accordance with the configurational change to the storage system, an administrator who is to perform management work for each host computer is then required. Therefore, when settings, changes, and the like are to be made to the storage configuration information, the storage administrator must contact the administrators of all the host computers involved and the administrator of each host computer must then perform work, meaning that the work involved in setting and changing storage configuration information is complex and takes time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention was conceived in view of the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage system that allows storage configuration information to be set in a quick and efficient manner by means of an instruction from a management computer. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage system that allows straightforward centralized management of discrete copy-pair volumes on a network by performing a series of operations via the management computer. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage system that allows volume copying to be controlled in stages or in a plurality of modes by means of instructions from the management computer. Further objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiment that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram providing an overview of the storage system of the first embodiment example of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the principal parts in FIG. 1 in detail;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view providing an outline of the configuration file;

FIG. 4(a) is an explanatory view of the data structure of storage configuration information; FIG. 4(b) is an explanatory view of the data structure of the disk management table; and FIG. 4(c) is an explanatory view showing the data structure of a command instructing the generation of a configuration file;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view that schematically shows a host information management method;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view that schematically shows a method of confirming the traffic of a predetermined port;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the storage system;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing to input startup conditions and so forth for pair-forming volumes and HORCM instances;

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the overall operation of the storage system;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of an example of a screen for designating pair-forming volumes;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of an example of a screen for designating startup conditions for HORCM instances;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram providing an overview of a storage system of a second embodiment example of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a disk array device that can be employed as a storage subsystem.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

In order to resolve the above problems, in the storage system according to the present invention, the progressive states of predetermined processing operations (volume copying, backups, and so forth) can be centrally managed by means of a management computer, and can be managed in a plurality of stages.

That is, the storage system according to the present invention comprises at least one or more host computers, at least one or more storage devices that provide a host computer with a storage region, and a management computer capable of managing storage devices and host computers. Further, the management computer comprises a change instruction section that generates change instruction information for changing storage configuration information on the basis of storage configuration information relating to the storage resources of the storage device allocated to the host computer, and outputs the change instruction information to the host computer; and a progress management unit that controls the output timing of change instruction information from the change instruction section, wherein the host computer orders the storage device to change the configuration based on the change instruction information inputted by the change instruction section.

Here, the host computer is a computer device that uses a storage device. Possible examples of a computer device include a personal computer, a workstation, a mainframe, and so forth. The storage device comprises at least one or more (normally a multiplicity of) physical storage devices such as a hard disk, semiconductor memory, or optical disk, for example, and establishes virtual storage regions (logical volumes) on physical storage regions and provides the host computers with the virtual storage regions. Storage configuration information is information indicating the usage state and the like of the storage devices, and is information indicating which host computer is able to use which storage device, for example.

In cases where the configuration of the storage device is changed, the management computer acquires storage configuration information held by the host computer beforehand. This storage configuration information indicates the configuration prior to any changes. The management computer then generates change instruction information for changing the storage configuration information in accordance with the configuration that is going to be changed, and then communicates the change instruction information to the host computer. The host computer, which receives the change instruction information, then orders a configurational change to the storage device. Thus, the connections and manual work between administrators can be cancelled, and the configuration of the storage device can be changed via the host computer by means of an instruction from the management computer.

Because the progress management unit then controls the output timing of the change instruction information, the progressive states of the configurational change can be controlled in a plurality of stages or a plurality of modes. User friendliness improves as a result.

The progress management unit can be made capable of controlling the progress of the configurational change to the storage device in a plurality of modes. The plurality of modes can be broadly classified into a preparation mode in which only preparations for a configurational change are made and the execution of the configurational change is delayed until later, and a successive execution mode in which preparations for the configurational change and the execution of the configurational change are executed successively, for example. In addition, preparation modes can also include conditional execution modes in which, by presetting a variety of predetermined conditions, configurational changes are executed when predetermined conditions are fulfilled.

The progress management unit can also be made capable of controlling the progress of the configurational change to the storage device in a plurality of stages on the basis of preset execution conditions.

Execution conditions can include at least any one of a case where the storage device is in a predetermined low load state, a case where a designated time has been reached, a case where a predetermined device can be used, and a case where a predetermined program has not started, for example.

For example, in a case where a backup by means of volume copying is performed, the storage device is subjected to a load in proportion to the backup processing. When the load of the storage device increases, a drop in responsiveness sometimes occurs. Therefore, configurational changes (volume copying, backups, and so forth) can be executed by reducing the effects on task processing and so forth by executing configurational changes when the storage device is in a predetermined low load state. Alternatively, a backup can be made while the effects on task processing are prevented by ordering a backup by designating a predetermined time at which the load of the storage device is small (a time frame after a task is complete, for example). A backup can also be made when a predetermined device (backup data device or similar) required at the time of a backup can be employed. In addition, a backup can be made when a predetermined program (application program or similar that provides a task service) that is likely to be affected by the backup has not been started. One such condition can be set or a plurality of conditions can be set in combination. Further, a configuration that permits designation so that a backup is when a predetermined process has started is also possible.

The progress management unit may be constituted to instruct a host computer to stop a predetermined process running on the host computer that is related to the configurational change, on the basis of preset end conditions, when the configurational change to the storage device is complete.

According to the present invention, change instruction information is outputted from the management computer to the host computer and the host computer then orders a configurational change to the storage device on the basis of the change instruction information. For the purpose of ordering a configurational change to the storage device, in cases where a predetermined process has started on the host computer, the progress management unit is able to order termination of the startup of a predetermined process after the configurational change is complete. The load of the host computer can be reduced to the degree by which the predetermined process is terminated, whereby more computer resources can be allocated to the task services.

Change instruction information can include change preparation instruction information for preparing a configurational change to the storage device and change execution instruction information for executing the configurational change prepared by means of this change preparation instruction information. Further, the progress management unit is capable of (1) outputting change preparation information from the change instruction section to the host computer, and (2) outputting change execution instruction information from the change instruction unit to a host computer when preset execution conditions are fulfilled.

A configurational change is directed by means of change preparation instruction information ordering preparation for a configurational change (may also be called ‘first change instruction information’) and change execution instruction information executing the prepared configurational changes (may also be called ‘second change instruction information’) in a plurality of stages. Accordingly, an earlier stage (preparation stage) included in the configurational change and a subsequent stage (execution stage) that executes the prepared configurational changes can be separated. Therefore, the execution times of the preparation stage and execution stage can be staggered or executed at substantially the same time depending on the case, whereby the storage configuration can be more flexibly set and changed.

In one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of host computers exists. The change preparation instruction information is outputted to each of the host computers and the change execution instruction information is outputted to a predetermined host computer among the respective host computers.

That is, in cases where a plurality of host computers are part of the storage system, change preparation instruction information and change execution instruction information are not outputted all together to the respective host computers, the outputted information instead-being controlled in accordance with the host computers. That is, the change preparation instruction information is reported to all the host computers involved in the configurational change to the storage device. On the other hand, the change execution instruction information is outputted to only at least one or more predetermined host computers among the host computers instructed to make preparations for a configurational change. The storage configuration can be set, modified, and so forth more quickly and efficiently by varying the details of the reported instruction in accordance with the role of each host computer. A host computer that comprises a primary volume is applicable when a case where a logical volume is copied is cited as an example of a predetermined host computer to which the change execution instruction information is reported.

A computer program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for controlling a management computer that is capable of managing at least one or more host computers, and at least one or more storage devices that provide the host computers with a storage region, the program allowing a computer to implement: a change instruction function to generate change instruction information allowing an instruction for a configurational change to be issued to the storage device by the host computer on the basis of storage configuration information relating to the storage resources of the storage devices allocated to the host computers, and to output the change instruction information to the host computers; and a progress management function to control the output timing of the change instruction information by the change instruction function. Such a program can be stored and distributed in a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory device, hard disk drive, and optical disk drive, for example. The program can also be sent via a communication network.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on the attached drawings. This embodiment discloses a storage system that comprises a plurality of host computers, at least one or more storage devices that provide each of the host computers with a volume, and a management computer that manages the storage devices. Further, the management computer comprises a copy condition designation section that designates a copy source volume and copy destination volume, and a copy start condition and copy end condition respectively on the basis of acquired volume information; a copy preparation instruction section that instructs both the host computer comprising the copy source volume and the host computer comprising the copy destination volume to generate configuration information for executing volume copying; a copy execution instruction section that instructs a predetermined host computer among the respective host computers to execute volume copying on the basis of the configuration information; and a copy progress management unit for controlling the operation of the copy preparation instruction section and the copy execution instruction section. The copy progress management unit (1) instructs each of the host computers to generate the configuration information via the copy preparation instruction section; (2) instructs the predetermined host computer to start the volume copying via the copy execution instruction section when the copy start condition is fulfilled; and (3) terminates a predetermined process running on the host computer that is related to the volume copying, on the basis of the copy end condition when the volume copying is complete. The predetermined host computer comprises: an agent section that communicates with the copy preparation instruction section and the copy execution instruction section; and a copy execution processing unit that is generated on the basis of the configuration information generated by the agent section, wherein the copy execution processing unit starts up on the basis of an instruction from the copy execution instruction section; and the copy execution processing unit stops on the basis of an instruction from the copy progress management unit.

With the storage system of this embodiment, a volume copying method (backup method) that comprises the following steps is disclosed. That is, the method comprises the steps of setting a copy source volume and a copy destination volume, selecting any one of a first mode in which copying is executed directly or a second mode in which copying is executed when predetermined conditions set beforehand are fulfilled, instructing the host computer comprising the copy source volume and the host computer comprising the copy destination volume to each generate configuration information when the second mode is selected, monitoring whether the predetermined conditions are fulfilled, starting predetermined processes to perform copy processing by means of the respective host computers when the predetermined conditions are fulfilled, executing volume copying between the copy source volume and the copy destination volume by using each of the predetermined processes, and terminating each of the predetermined processes when same have been preset in cases where volume copying is complete.

1. First Embodiment Example

A first embodiment example of the present invention will now be described based on FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG. 1 is a block diagram providing an overview of the storage system of this embodiment example of the present invention.

As will be described subsequently, the storage system can be constituted comprising a storage management server 10, a plurality of host computers 20, 30, a storage subsystem 40, another storage subsystem 50, and a first communication network CN1 and second communication network CN2 that connect these devices.

The storage management server (‘management server’ hereinafter) 10 is able to manage a storage subsystem 40. The management server 10 comprises a copy-pair control unit 11 and a configuration information database (‘DB’ hereinbelow) 12. The details will be provided subsequently, but the management server 10 instructs the host computers 20, 30 to generate a configuration file (shown as ‘Config File’ in the drawings) when the configuration of the storage subsystem 40 is changed. In addition, the management server 10 orders the host computer 20 where the primary volume is established to start copying following on from an instruction to generate the configuration file or at a different time from the configuration file generation instruction.

The management server 10 acquires and holds the newest state of the storage subsystem 40 when the configuration of the storage subsystem 40 is changed by the host computer 20. The management server 10 centrally manages the storage configuration of the storage system, setting and changing the storage configuration by means of a remote operation. Further, the management server 10 manages the progress of the operation of predetermined processing to change the storage configuration.

The first host computer 20 can be constituted as an application server by a computer device such as a personal computer, workstation, or mainframe, for example. The host computer 20 comprises information input devices such as a keyboard switch, a pointing device, and a microphone (not shown), for example, and information output devices (not shown) such as a monitor display, or speaker, for example. The host computer 20 comprises a host agent 21, a copy-pair control command 22, a configuration file 23, a HORCM instance 24, a task application program 25, a control device (abbreviated to ‘CMD’ in the drawings) 26, a primary volume 27, and a port 28.

The details will be provided subsequently, but the host agent 21 is a program module that generates a configuration file 23 based on an instruction received from the management server 10 and that orders the execution of a copy command by starting the HORCM instance 24.

The HORCM instance 24 is a process that handles control to match (synchronize) stored content between volumes that constitute a pair. The HORCM instance 24 performs copy processing based on a command that is inputted via a copy-pair control command 22. The HORCM instance can also be called a predetermined process to execute a predetermined operation (such as a volume copy instruction or a backup instruction).

The host agent 21 and HORCM instance 24 provide respective functions by suitably using various computer resources that the host computer 20 comprises (microprocessor, memory, I/O circuit or the like). Part of the host agent 21 and HORCM instance 24 can also be constituted by a hardware circuit.

The configuration file 23 is a file describing the structure of the storage resources that the host computer 20 comprises. The details will be provided subsequently, but, information such as information on where the actual body of the primary volume 27 lies and on which volumes of which host computers to form a pair with is stored in the configuration file 23.

The control device 26 serves to control the storage subsystem 40. The HORCM instance 24 asks the storage subsystem 40 to execute commands via the control device 26. The primary volume 27 is provided by the storage subsystem 40 and mounted in the host computer 20. The actual body of the primary volume 27 is volume 41 in the storage subsystem 40. The primary volume 27 of the host computer 20 exists virtually, while the actual body thereof exists in the storage subsystem 40. The port 28 sends and receives data, commands, and the like by using a communication network CN2 constituted as a SAN, for example. For example, the port 28 is constituted as a fiber channel HBA (Host Bus Adapter).

The second host computer 30, like the first host computer 20, comprises a host agent 31, a copy-pair control command 32, a configuration file 33, a HORCM instance 34, a backup program (‘backup PP’ in the drawings) 35, a control device 36, a secondary volume 37, a port 38, and a backup device 39. The configuration of each of these parts is the same as the configuration of the corresponding parts in the first host computer 20, and hence a description of the common parts is omitted. The second host computer 30 is used as a backup server for backing up the data of the first host computer 20, and the actual body of the secondary volume 37 is the volume 42 of the storage subsystem 40.

The backup program 35 serves to control the operation of the backup device 39. A tape device or the like, for example, can be used as the backup device 39. The actual physical body of the backup device 39 can be provided outside the host computer 30.

The stored content of the primary volume 27 is stored in the secondary volume 37 by means of volume copying (mirroring). The stored content of the primary volume 27 is copied in its entirety to the secondary volume 37 by the initial copying. Thereafter, the pair of respective volumes 27, 37 is cancelled and the stored content of the secondary volume 37 is copied to the backup device 39. Accordingly, the stored content of the primary volume 27 can be backed up at a certain time.

In order to synchronize the primary volume 27 and secondary volume 37 after the initial copying is complete, a request for an update to the primary volume 27 is also reflected in the secondary volume 37 or incremental data produced in the primary volume 27 is managed by a partial bitmap and reflected in the secondary volume 37 by means of incremental copying of only the parts generating the increment.

The storage subsystem 40 is constituted as a RAID-based disk array device, for example. The storage subsystem 40 comprises a primary volume 41, secondary volume 42, and a control device 43. More detail will also be provided subsequently, but, the storage subsystem 40 comprises a multiplicity of physical disk drives, logical storage regions (also known as logical volumes (Logical Unit) or LDEV) being established on the physical storage regions provided by the disk drives. The storage subsystem 40 can comprise a multiplicity of logical volumes.

The storage subsystem 40 provides each of the host computers 20, 30 with the logical volumes 41, 42. For example, the respective host computers 20, 30 are able to access only a self-allocated volume (41 or 42) by means of zoning, LUN (Logical Unit Number) masking, and so forth. The control device 43 is shared by the respective host computers 20, 30. Ports 44 to 46 are communication ports for accessing the respective volumes 41 to 43 via the communication network CN2, and are constituted as fiber channel adapters, for example. Further, another port 47 is for a connection to another storage subsystem 50.

The other storage subsystem 50 can be constituted in the same fashion as the storage subsystem 40. The storage subsystem 50 comprises at least one or more logical volumes 51, a port 52 for a connection with the storage subsystem 40, and a port 53 for a connection with the communication network CN2. In the drawings, to facilitate the description, one logical volume 51 is shown, an illustration of the control device and so forth is omitted.

The storage subsystem 40 and storage subsystem 50 are capable of communication between enclosures. Further, the logical volume 41 of the storage subsystem 40 and the logical volume 51 of the storage subsystem 50 can be set as a copy pair. That is, in this embodiment example, two types of volume copying can be implemented. One such type involves forming a pair from the logical volumes 41 and 42 in the same storage subsystem 40 and then performing volume copying. The other type involves volume copying between different storage subsystems 40 and 50.

The first communication network CN1 is constituted as a management dedicated LAN, for example, while the second communication network CN2 is constituted as a SAN, for example. The first communication network CN1 connects the management server 10, the respective host computers 20, 30, and the respective storage subsystems 40, 50 to allow mutual communication therebetween. The first communication network CN1 transmits various instructions, management data, and so forth between the management server 10, each of the host computers 20, 30, and the respective storage subsystems 40, 50. The second communication network CN2 connects the respective host computers 20, 30 and the respective storage subsystems 40, 50 to allow mutual communication therebetween, and transmits data and commands between these host computers 20, 30 and storage subsystems 40, 50.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the principal parts in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows a management server 10, a first host computer 20, and the storage subsystem 40. The detailed structure of the management server 10 will be described first. In addition to the copy-pair control unit 11 and the configuration information DB12, the management server 10 comprises a storage information management unit 13, a host information management unit 14, a display/selection unit 15, and a user interface (abbreviated to ‘UI’ in the drawings) 16. Furthermore, the copy-pair control unit 11 constituted as software, for example, comprises a configuration-file generation instruction unit 11A, a copy-execution instruction unit 11B, and a progress management unit 11C as internal functions.

The configuration-file generation instruction unit 11A instructs the host agents 21, 31 of the respective host computers 20, 30 to generate the configuration files 23, 33 respectively, based on the storage configuration set by the display/selection unit 15. The copy-execution instruction unit 11B instructs the first host computer 20 in which the primary volume 27 is established to execute a copy command. Further, prior to issuing a copy command, the copy-execution instruction unit 11B instructs each of the host agents 21, 31 to start the HORCM instances 24, 34. The progress management unit 11C manages the progressive states of the volume copying. As will be described subsequently, the progress management unit 11C controls the operation of the respective instruction units 11A, 11B in accordance with the copy conditions inputted via the UI 16.

The storage information management unit 13 then acquires the status of the storage subsystem 40 and reflects the status in the configuration information DB12. The storage information management unit 13 confirms that the configuration of the storage subsystem 40 has been changed via the host computer 20 in accordance with an instruction from the copy-pair control unit 11. The storage information management unit 13 issues a request to the storage subsystem 40 to send the latest storage configuration information. The storage information management unit 13 updates the latest storage configuration information received from the storage subsystem 40 and registers this information in the configuration information DB.

The host information management unit 14 acquires volume information and so forth that includes the control devices 26, 34 from each of the host computers 20, 30. The acquired volume information is reflected in the configuration information DB 12. The display/selection unit 15 shows a list of volumes that can be selected via the UI 16 to the storage administrator. Further, the host information management unit 14 is able to acquire attribute information on each of the host computers 20, 30 (host name, IP address, and so forth), and information relating to the HORCM instances 24, 34.

The display/selection unit 15 instructs the copy-pair control unit 11 to set storage configuration information on the basis of the information that the storage administrator (user) inputs via the UI 16. The storage administrator is also able to designate the copy execution conditions (more precisely, the start and stop conditions for the HORCM instances) via the UI 16. The conditions designated by the storage administrator are inputted to the copy-pair control unit 11.

The details of the first host computer 20 will now be provided. The host agent 21 comprises a notification unit 21A, a configuration file 21B, and a command execution unit 21C. The notification unit 21A communicates with the management server 10 via the first communication network CN1. The notification unit 21A sends the content of the configuration file 23, an operation completion report, and so forth to the management server 10, and receives various instructions from the management server 10. Further, the notification unit 21A reports information on the HORCM instance 24 to the management server 10.

The configuration file generation unit 21B generates a configuration file 23 with the requested specifications in accordance with instructions from the management server 10. The configuration file 23 permits a plurality of settings. However, in order to facilitate the description, only one setting is shown. The command execution unit 21C starts the HORCM instance 24 and requests the execution of a copy command in accordance with instructions from the management server 10.

The copy-pair control command 22 generates a command such as ‘paircreate_pair1’, for example, on the basis of an instruction from the command execution unit 21C, and inputs this command to the HORCM instance 24. The HORCM instance 24 then controls the control device 26 in accordance with the inputted command. The disk management table Td is referenced at the time the copy command is generated. As will be described subsequently in conjunction with FIG. 4(b), the disk management table Td converts an abstract disk name recognized by the OS (Operating System) of the host computer 20 into information that actually enables access. Further, when a command is inputted from the HORCM instance 24 to the control device 26, the content of the command instruction is transmitted to the control device 43 of the storage subsystem 40 via the second communication network CN2. As a result, copying is executed between the volumes constituting a pair in the storage subsystem 40. The copying between volumes is a so-called ‘server-free’ process and is executed without intervention by the host computer 20. Alternatively, volume copying can also be executed between storage subsystems 40, 50. The option to adopt volume copying within an enclosure or volume copying between enclosures is entrusted to the storage administrator.

The storage subsystem 40 comprises a plurality of logical volumes 47. The logical volumes 47 are virtual disk devices supplied to the host computers 20, 30 and device discrimination data such as ‘0:00’, ‘0:01’, ‘0:02’, and ‘0:03’, for example, are assigned to these logical volumes. One logical volume 47 (‘0:01’) among the respective logical volumes 47 is allocated to the host computer 20 as the primary volume 41 shown in FIG. 1.

Another logical volume 47 (‘0:02’) is allocated to the host computer 30 as the secondary logical volume 42 shown in FIG. 1. In addition, another logical volume 47 (‘0:03’) is used as the control device 43 shown in FIG. 1. The logical volume 47 (‘0:02’) is unused or used by a host computer other that a host computer in the figure. An illustrative example was provided above but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the primary volume 41 or secondary volume 42 can also be constructed by a plurality of logical volumes 47. Further, FIG. 2 illustrates a specific configuration of the storage subsystem 40, the configuration of the port being different from that in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the outline of the configuration files 23, 33 generated by host agents 24, 34 respectively. A configuration file can contain, for example, HORCM instance definition information, control device definition information, pair volume definition information, and so forth. HORCM instance definition information can include, for example, the name of the host computer that starts the HORCM instances, the number of the port for communications between programs, and the monitoring interval, for example. Control device definition information can include a device file name, storage subsystem identifier, and so forth, for example. Pair volume definition information can include, for example, the group name, the name of the port used for copying, and the number of the logical volume (LDEV number) used for copying. Further, although LU and LDEV have different labels, same are basically the same. Although ‘LU’ and ‘LDEV’ are suitably used in this specification, either one may be used consistently.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a variety of data structures. FIG. 4(a) shows storage configuration information stored in the configuration information DB 12 of the management server 10. The storage configuration information is constituted based on information acquired from each of the host computers 20, 30, and the storage subsystem 40 (or storage subsystems 40, 50).

Storage configuration information can be constituted, for example, by associating the name of the device provided by the storage subsystem 40 (the name of the logical volume 47 discriminated by the disk No.), the RAID name for discriminating the storage subsystem 40, the name of the host to which the device is allocated, the name of the disk recognized on the host, the volume type indicating the application of the allocated volume, and the synchronized state showing the matched state of the stored content.

In the example shown in FIG. 4(a), it can be seen that the logical volume 47 with the disk No. ‘0:00’ belongs to the storage subsystem 40 specified by ‘RAID1’ and that same is supplied to the first host computer 20 specified by ‘Host1’ as the primary volume. Likewise, the logical volume 47 with disk No. ‘0:01’ belongs to the storage subsystem 40 specified by ‘RAID1’ and is supplied to the second host computer 30 specified by ‘Host2’ as the secondary volume. Further, it can be seen from ‘sync’, which indicates that a synchronized state has been set, that the stored content of each volume supplied to the respective host computers 20, 30 is synchronized. It is also clear that the logical volume 47 specified by device No. ‘0:03’, which belongs to the storage subsystem 40 specified by ‘RAID1’, is used as a control device and shared by each of the host computers 20, 30.

FIG. 4(b) shows an example of the disk management table Td in FIG. 2. The disk management table Td associates device names, which are the names of the logical volumes supplied by the storage subsystem 40, RAID names, which specify the storage subsystem 40 to which each device belongs, the names of the ports for accessing each device, the numbers of the devices allocated to each device, and a note field, for example.

FIG. 4(c) shows an example of a configuration file generation instruction that is outputted to the host computers 20, 30 by the management server 10. Information instructing the generation of a new configuration file (Config File) can be constituted comprising a primary volume designation section and a secondary volume designation section.

The primary volume designation section includes, for example, the name of the host (Host1) where the primary volume (P-VOL) is established, and the name of the device (Device1) in the storage subsystem 40 used as the primary volume. The secondary volume designation section comprises, for example, the name of the host (Host2) where the secondary volume (S-VOL) is established, and the name of the device (Device2) in the storage subsystem 40 used as the secondary volume. A configuration file generation instruction with the same content is reported to each of the host computers 20, 30 belonging to the same pair. ‘Same content’ means that the specific instructional content is the same, but header parts or similar describing the destinations and the like sometimes differ, for example. The host agents 21, 31 generate the configuration files 23, 33 respectively on the basis of an instruction to generate the configuration files shown in FIG. 4(c).

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of part of the host information that is managed by the host information management unit 14 of the management server 10. The host information management unit 14 is able to associate and store the host list table T1, the host state management table T2, the HORCM instance table T3, and information T4 indicating the content of the HORCM instance, for example.

The names of each host computer under the management of the management server 10 are shown in list format in the host list table T1. The host state management table T2 includes the host names, IP address states, and so forth, of the host computers selected in the host list table T1, and a pointer to the HORCM instance table T3. The HORCM instance table T3 includes a pointer to detailed information T4 on each HORCM instance that can be started up by the host computers. As mentioned above, a plurality of copy pairs can be established, and a HORCM instance is established for each copy pair.

HORCM instance detailed information T4 can include startup control information, startup condition information, and end condition information, for example. Startup control information can include either information to start up the HORCM instance or to not start up the HORCM instance.

Here, ‘start up’ signifies a mode in which the HORCM instance is started up at the same time the generation of the configuration file is completed. ‘Not start up’ signifies a mode in which the operation is stopped in a state where only the configuration file is created in order to allow a startup by means of a special manual operation, and a mode in which startup is conditional.

Startup condition information can include at least one or more of several conditions for starting up the HORCM instance. Possible startup conditions include the following, for example.

(1) A case where the load state of the storage subsystem (‘SAN’ in FIG. 5) is below a predetermined value;

-   -   (2) a case where a predetermined time is reached;     -   (3) a case where a predetermined device is in a usable state;         and     -   (4) a case where a predetermined process has not started.

In cases where volume copying is executed by starting the HORCM instance when the load state of the storage subsystem is below a predetermined value, a load threshold value for judging the startup conditions is designated. For example, the HORCM instance can be started up when the traffic volume of the port used for volume copying is less than the predetermined threshold value. However, the load state of the storage subsystem for starting up the HORCM instance is not limited to the traffic of the communication path used for copying. For example, the configuration can also be such that the HORCM instance is started up in cases where the usage amount of the cache memory is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and in cases where the CPU usage rate of the storage subsystem is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

In cases where the HORCM instance is started up when a predetermined time is reached, the startup time is designated. In cases where the HORCM instance is started up when a predetermined device is in a usable state, the name of the monitored device is designated. Possible device names can include, for example, the backup device 39 or the like. When the HORCM instance is started up in cases where a predetermined process has not started, the name of the monitored process is designated. Possible processes can include a task application program 25 for providing task services, or the like. Because there is a risk of a drop in responsiveness when a backup is made while a task service is being provided, the HORCM instance can be started up after confirming that processes relating to the task service have not started.

Further, among the startup conditions, a condition according to which volume copying is executed as a result of a predetermined load state or a predetermined time being reached (the HORCM instance is started up) can be called a main startup condition. Further, when the usable state of a predetermined device or the terminated state of a predetermined process is taken as a condition, such a condition is also known as a sub-startup condition. For example, at least either one of main startup conditions (1), (2) may be selected and a sub-startup condition need not be designated. Conversely, the configuration can be such that the designation of only sub-startup conditions is not allowed.

End condition information includes the designation of whether to terminate the HORCM instance after initial copying is complete or to start up the HORCM instance also after the initial copying is complete, for example. The HORCM instances 24, 34 need not always be started while the copy-pair-forming volumes 41, 42 (27, 37) are in a paired state.

The HORCM instances 24, 34 may be started up only when a volume copy is created, the decision regarding whether to allow the HORCM instances 24, 34 to remain launched at other times being dependent on the operation of the storage system. In cases where the HORCM instances 24, 34 are also started up after initial copying is complete, the fault monitoring function of the HORCM instances 24, 34 can be used. On the other hand, when the HORCM instances 24, 34 are resident, the system memory, CPU resources, and so forth of the host computers 20, 30 are also consumed. Because HORCM instances are generated in proportion to the number of copy pairs, the greater the number of resident HORCM instances, the larger the load of the host computer.

Therefore, in this embodiment example, the storage administrator is able to select whether to terminate the HORCM instance (delete same from the system memory) after initial copying is complete or allow the HORCM instance to remain launched. For example, in the case of an operation that focuses on the fault monitoring function, the HORCM are allowed to remain launched also after the initial copying is complete. For example, in the case of an operation that focuses on a reduction in the load of the host computer, the resources of the memory and CPU, and so forth are allocated to the task application program 25 or similar by terminating the HORCM instance after the initial copying is complete.

The above-mentioned startup conditions and end conditions for the HORCM instances can be set individually for each HORCM instance. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the startup conditions and end conditions established for one HORCM instance are reflected in all HORCM instances that are started up by the host computer. Further, the content of each table shown in FIG. 5 can be confirmed via the UI 16.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of part of the storage subsystem information that is managed by the storage information management unit 13. For example, the names of all the storage subsystems constituting the storage system are displayed in list format in a storage subsystem list table T11, pointers to each storage subsystem being included in this table T11. When the desired storage subsystem is selected from the storage subsystem list table T11, a list of ports of the storage subsystem can be confirmed. When the desired port is selected from a port list table T12, the process moves to a port detail table T13, whereupon the volume of traffic of the port can be confirmed. By monitoring the volume of the traffic of the port via which volume copying is performed, the storage administrator is able to execute volume copying by starting up the HORCM instance only when the port is in a low load state.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart providing an overview of the volume copying (backup processing) of this embodiment example.

First, the storage administrator selects pair-forming volumes via the UI 16 and designates the copy conditions (S1) The copy conditions are startup conditions and end conditions mentioned in conjunction with the HORCM instance detailed information T4. The information designated by the storage administrator is stored in the management server 10 (S2).

The management server 10 judges whether startup control for volume copying has been set (S3). A case in which startup control has not been set (S3: NO) is a case where a mode is designated in which the generation of configuration files and the startup of the HORCM instance are executed successively as a serial operation. Therefore, the management server 10 instructs each of the host computers 20, 30 to generate configuration files 23, 33 (S4). After confirming the generation of the configuration files 23, 33, the management server 10 instructs the host computers 20, 30 to start up the HORCM instances 24, 34 (S5). After confirming the startup of each of the HORCM instances 24, 34, the management server 10 instructs the host computer 20, in which the primary volume 27 is mounted, to start copying (S6). In this case, the respective HORCM instances 24, 34 are resident in the respective host computers 20, 30 also after the initial copying is complete.

On the other hand, a case where the execution of startup control is pre-designated for volume copying (S3:YES) is a case where a conditional startup mode has been designated. Therefore, the management server 10 first instructs the host computers 20, 30 to only generate the configuration files 23, 33 (S7).

Next, the management server 10 monitors the load state of the SAN (the volume of traffic of the communication path used for the volume copying), the time, and so forth (S8). Here, the fact that volume copying is executed either when the load state is equal to or less than a predetermined value or when a predetermined time has been reached, is pre-designated.

In a case where a predetermined load state that has been pre-designated is reached or when a predetermined time that has been pre-designated is reached (S9:YES), it is judged whether other conditions for executing volume copying have been fulfilled. Here, two conditions are set, which are that the task application program 25 is not run by the host computer 20 that comprises the primary volume 27 (S10), and that the backup device 39 is in a usable state (Ready state) in the host computer 30 that comprises the secondary volume 37 (S11).

Further, when both conditions are fulfilled (S10:YES, S11: YES), the management server 10 instructs the host computers 20, 30 to start up the HORCM instances 24, 34 respectively (S12). Further, after confirming the startup of the HORCM instances 24, 34, the management server 10 instructs (S13) the host computer 20 to start the initial copying between pair-forming volumes.

In a case where completion of the initial copying between the pair-forming volumes 27, 37 has been confirmed, the management server 10 judges (S14) whether termination of the HORCM instances 24, 34 has been designated after completion of the initial copying. When termination of the HORCM instances 24, 34 has been pre-designated (S14:YES), the management server 10 orders the host computers 20, 30 to terminate the HORCM instances 24, 34 (S15).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the details of S1 in FIG. 7. The storage administrator performs setting of a pair-forming host computer via the UI 16 (S21). For example, the storage administrator designates the host computer that comprises the primary volume which is to become the copy source and the host computer that comprises the secondary volume which is to become the copy destination respectively. Further, the storage administrator designates server characteristics such that the designated host computers are the task server or the backup server.

Next, the storage administrator defines (S22) a device file name, an identifier for the storage subsystem, and so forth, for the control device. The storage administrator also designates (S23) a group name, port name, LDEV number, and so forth, for the copy-pair-forming volumes.

The management server 10 judges (S24) whether an input for settings other than those for the HORCM instances has been defined. In cases where the definition of a control device, pair volumes, and so forth, is complete (S24:YES), the management server 10 stores designated setting information in the memory (S25).

Next, the management server 10 shifts to a HORCM instance definition screen by switching the screen displayed on the UI 16. The storage administrator defines a HORCM instance via the UI 16 (S26). The storage administrator then establishes startup conditions for the defined HORCM instance (S27). Possible startup conditions include specific conditions for startup whereby the HORCM instance is started up automatically or is not started up automatically (same is started up under predetermined conditions). Then, after startup conditions have been set, the storage administrator sets end conditions (S28).

In cases where settings for HORCM instances are defined (S29: YES), the management server 10 stores designated information in memory (S30). The configuration may be such that there is not necessarily a need to switch the screen projected on the UI 16, it also being possible to set control device definitions, pair volume definitions, HORCM instance definitions, startup conditions and end conditions in a single screen.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sequence diagram of the storage system. Initially, the host computers 20, 30 send information on the respective volumes allocated thereto (abbreviated to ‘Vol’) to the management server 10 via the communication network CN1 (S41, S42).

The management server 10 saves volume information acquired from the respective host computers 20, 30 in memory (S43). The management server 10 selects a copy pair based on stored volume information and storage configuration information acquired previously from the storage subsystem 40 and displays a screen for setting copy conditions on the UI 16 (S44). The storage administrator designates (S45) information on the host computers and volumes forming the copy pair, and the copy conditions (startup conditions, end conditions), based on the screen displayed on the UI 16.

When one copy pair is selected by the storage administrator, that is, when the host computer 20 where the primary volume is established and the host computer 30 where the secondary volume is established are selected, the copy pair control unit sends a configuration file generation instruction to each of the selected host computers 20, 30 via the communication network CN1 (S46, S47). The respective host agents 21, 31 of the host computers 20, 30 that receive the instruction from the management server 10 then generate configuration files 23, 33 on the basis of the content of the instruction (S48, S49). The respective host agents 21, 31 then send notice of the generation of the configuration files 23, 33 to the management server 10 via the communication network CN1 (S50, S51). Preparations for copying between the pair-forming volumes are completed as a result of generating the configuration files 23, 33.

Following receipt of the report that generation of the configuration files 23, 33 is complete, the management server 10 monitors the respective states of the host computers 20, 30 (S52, S53) on the basis of the preset startup conditions. In cases where startup conditions have not been established, startup of the HORCM instance is instructed after confirming the generation of the configuration file (S55, S56). It is assumed here that at least one or more startup conditions have been established. It is also assumed here that sub-startup conditions linking the states of the respective host computers 20, 30 have also been established.

The management server 10 judges, as occasion calls, whether the main startup condition (that a predetermined load state has been reached or a predetermined time has been reached) and the sub-startup condition (that a predetermined device is usable or a predetermined process has not started) have both been fulfilled (S54). When the startup conditions have all been fulfilled (S54:YES), the management server 10 instructs (S55, S56) the respective host computers 20, 30 to start up the HORCM instances 24, 34.

Upon receipt of a startup completion report for the HORCM instances 24, 34 from the respective host agents 21, 31, the management server 10 instructs the host computer 20 to execute copying (S57).

Upon receipt of the copy start instruction from the management server 10, the host computer 20 executes a copy command (S58), and asks the storage subsystem 40 to start copying (S59).

The storage subsystem 40 then copies (S60) the stored content of the logical volume 41 designated as the primary volume to the logical volume 42 designated as the secondary volume so that there is a match between the stored content of the selected volumes. When copying is complete, the storage subsystem 40 reports the completion of copying to the host computer 20 (S61). Upon receipt of the copy completion report from the storage subsystem 40, the host computer 20 reports the completion of copying to the management server 10 (S62).

Upon confirming the completion of volume copying, the management server 10 judges (S63) whether end conditions, such as that of terminating the HORCM instances 24, 34 after the initial copying is complete, have been preset. When termination of the HORCM instances 24, 34 has been designated, the management server 10 instructs the respective host computers 20, 30 to terminate the HORCM instances 24, 34 (S64, S65). Upon receipt of the instruction, the host agents 21, 31 terminate the HORCM instances 24, 34 respectively.

The management server 10 then asks the storage subsystem 40 to acquire current storage configuration information (S66). When the storage subsystem 40 sends the latest storage configuration information to the management server 10 (S67), the management server 10 updates (S68) the stored content of the configuration information DB 12 on the basis of the latest storage configuration information.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of part of a screen in a case where paired-volume information, copy conditions, and so forth, are established. Displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 10 are, for example: a copy-type designation section G1, a group name designation section G2, a copy-pair name designation section G3, a fence-level designation section G4, a copy-pace designation section G5, a volume designation section G6 for designating the LDEV that are to become the primary and secondary volumes, a subsystem name designation section G7 for displaying the storage subsystem to which the volume belongs, a host name designation section G8 for displaying the name of the host used by the volume, a HORCM instance ID number designation section G9, and an interprogram communication port number designation section G10.

In addition, the screen displays a back button B1 for returning to the previous screen (not shown), an input definition button B2, a cancel button B3 for canceling the input operation, and a partial cancel button B4. By operating the partial cancel button B4, only the startup of the HORCM instance is canceled without the series of operations from the creation of the configuration file to the startup of the HORCM instance being performed.

The cancellation of the startup of the HORCM instance as a result of operating the partial cancel button B4 is included in the ‘designation of startup conditions’ in S45 in FIG. 9. That is, the operation of the partial cancel B4 designates a condition in which the HORCM instance is not started up. When a mode, in which only a configuration file is created and the startup of the HORCM instance is deferred unconditionally, is selected, processing ends at the point where S51 in FIG. 9 is complete.

Therefore, when the partial cancel button B4 is operated, the configuration file alone is generated on the host computer. In cases where the HORCM instance is started up, a HORCM instance startup instruction may be either sent to the host computer by the management server 10 or a startup command may be inputted directly by operating the UI of the host computer.

Further, a constitution in which not all of the respective designation sections G1 to G10 need necessarily be designated by the storage administrator is also possible, some designation sections being automatically set with predetermined values. Further, in the copy-type designation section G1, any one copy type can be selected from among a plurality of pre-prepared types of copying. For example, possible types of copying can include performing volume copying within the same storage subsystem ‘copying within enclosure’, and performing volume copying between different storage subsystems ‘copying between enclosures’.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of an example of a screen for designating startup conditions and end conditions for HORCM instances. The screen shown in FIG. 10 shows a case where two modes, which are a mode in which the HORCM instance is also started when volume copying is set, and a mode in which HORCM instances are not started, can be selected.

The screen shown in FIG. 11 also displays a mode in which HORCM instances are started conditionally. Further, FIG. 11 also shows an aspect in which HORCM-instance end conditions can be set. HORCM instance startup conditions are designated at the top of the screen, and HORCM instance end conditions are designated at the bottom of the screen.

Three modes are prepared as modes for designating the startup conditions. The first mode is a mode in which the HORCM instance is started up directly after the creation of the configuration file. The second mode is a mode in which the HORCM instance is not started up after the creation of the configuration file. The third mode is a mode in which the HORCM instance is started up conditionally after the creation of the configuration file. The second and third modes share the characteristic of separating the generation of the configuration file and the starting up of the HORCM instance, these modes also being known as preparation modes.

The first mode can be selected by means of the first mode designation section G21. Likewise, the second and third modes can be selected by means of the second mode designation section G22 and the third mode designation section G23 respectively.

When the third mode is selected, predetermined conditions for starting up the HORCM instance can be selected. Possible conditions include, as mentioned earlier, a case where the storage subsystem is in a low load state (G24), a case where a predetermined time has been reached (G25), a case where a predetermined device can be used on the backup server side (G26), and a case where a predetermined process is terminated on the task server side (G27), and so forth. G24 to G27 can also be called predetermined condition designation sections, for example.

Two modes, for example, are prepared as modes for designating the end conditions. The first mode is a mode in which the HORCM instance is terminated after the initial copying is complete (G31). The second mode is a mode in which the HORCM instance is not terminated after completion of the initial copying (G32).

This embodiment example is constituted as above and therefore affords the following effects. The output timing of an instruction to execute volume copying is controllable. Therefore, the required processing can be executed in accordance with the requirements on each occasion and user convenience improves.

For example, in this embodiment example, the execution of volume copying can be controlled in two stages, which are a preparation stage in which only the generation of the configuration file is performed, and an execution stage in which the HORCM instance is started up and copying is executed. Therefore, the HORCM instance can be started up only when the pair volumes are operated, and hence the computer resources of the host computer can be efficiently used, whereby user convenience is improved.

For example, in this embodiment example, a plurality of modes are prepared, namely a mode in which the generation of a configuration file and the startup of the HORCM instance are executed automatically as a series of processes, a mode in which the configuration file alone is generated, and a mode in which the HORCM instance is started up under predetermined conditions after the configuration file has been generated, these modes being freely selected by the storage administrator. Therefore, a suitable mode can be selected in accordance with the operation of the storage system.

In addition, the load state of the storage subsystem, the time, the state of a predetermined device, and the startup state of a predetermined process are prepared as specific startup conditions. Therefore, a more suitable operation can be executed.

In this embodiment example, a HORCM instance can be terminated after completion of the initial copying. Therefore, the load of the host computer can be reduced and the computer resources can be allocated to another process.

2. Second Embodiment Example

FIG. 12 is a view of the overall configuration according to a second embodiment example of the present invention. This embodiment example is equivalent to a modified example of the first embodiment example.

Three host computers 60, 70, and 80, for example, are provided in this storage system. The respective host computers 60, 70, and 80 are each provided with host agents 61, 71, and 81, copy-pair control commands 62, 72, and 82, configuration files 63, 73, and 83, and control devices 66, 76, and 86, HORCM instances, applications, and so forth (none of which is illustrated), and volumes.

The first host computer 60 has a primary volume 67. The second host computer 70 comprises a secondary volume 77 that forms a pair with the primary volume 67 of the first host computer 60 and another primary volume 78. The third host computer 80 comprises a secondary volume 87 that forms a pair with the primary volume 78 of the second host computer 70.

Further, the configuration file 63 of the first host computer 60 records relationships between the primary volume 67 and secondary volume 77 that form the first pair. The configuration file 73 of the second host computer 70 records relationships between the primary volume 67 and secondary volume 77 that form the first pair, and the relationships between the primary volume 78 and secondary volume 87 that form second pair. The configuration file 83 of the third host computer 80 records the relationship between the primary volume and secondary volume 87 that form the second pair.

A storage subsystem 90 comprises a total of four volumes 91 to 94 that form two copy pairs respectively, and a control device 95. The first pair is constituted by a logical volume 91 supplied to the first host computer 60 and a logical volume 92 supplied to the second host computer 70. The second pair is constituted by a logical volume 93 supplied to the second host computer 70 and a logical volume 94 supplied to the third host computer 80.

The management server 10 is able to instruct the respective host computers 60, 70, and 80 to generate configuration files and start up the HORCM instance. At such time, the storage administrator is able to select any one mode from among a plurality of modes to start up the HORCM instance.

The management server 10 is able to instruct each of the host computers 60, 70 that comprise a primary volume to execute a copy command. Alternatively, the second host computer 70, which is part of either of the two pairs, can alone be asked to execute the copy command.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a disk array device that can be used as the storage subsystem of this embodiment example.

The controller 120 of the disk array device controls the operation of the storage device 130. The controller 120 is constituted comprising a plurality of channel adapters (CHA) 121, a plurality of disk adapters (DKA) 122, a main controller 123, a shared memory 124, a cache memory 125, and a connector 126 that mutually connects these parts 121 to 125, for example.

The respective channel adapters 121 and disk adapters 122 are constituted as a microcomputer system that comprises a microprocessor, memory, and so forth. Each of the channel adapters 121 is connected to the host computers 110 to 112 respectively and is capable of individually processing a request from each of the host computers 110 to 112. The main controller 123 unifies the operation within the controller 120. Each of the disk adapters 122 exchanges data with the disk 131 of the storage device 130. Various commands, control information, and so forth, are stored in the shared memory 124 and the work area is also set. Data that is to be written to the disk 131 and data that is read out from the disk 131 is temporarily stored in the cache memory 125.

A highly functional disk array device constituted in this manner can be used as a storage subsystem.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment example. A person skilled in the art is able to make a variety of additions, modifications, and so forth within the scope of the present invention. Although the focus in each of the embodiment examples was on copying between volumes, the present invention is not limited to such copying and may have applicability to a remote operation for other processes. 

1. A storage system that comprises at least one or more host computers, at least one or more storage devices that provide the host computers with a storage region, and a management computer capable of managing the storage devices and the host computers, the management computer comprising: a change instruction section that generates change instruction information for changing storage configuration information on the basis of storage configuration information relating to the storage resources of the storage devices allocated to the host computers, and outputs the change instruction information to the host computers; and a progress management unit that controls the output timing of the change instruction information of the change instruction section, wherein the host computer orders a configurational change to the storage device based on the change instruction information inputted by the change instruction section.
 2. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the progress management unit is capable of controlling the progress of the configurational change to the storage device in a plurality of modes.
 3. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the progress management unit is capable of controlling the progress of the configurational change to the storage device in a plurality of stages on the basis of preset execution conditions.
 4. The storage system according to claim 3, wherein the execution conditions include at least any one of a case where the storage device is in a predetermined low load state, a case where a designated time has been reached, a case where a predetermined device can be used, and a case where a predetermined program has not started.
 5. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein, when the configurational change to the storage device is complete, the progress management unit causes the host computer to instruct to terminate a predetermined process running on the host computer that is related to the configurational change, on the basis of preset end conditions.
 6. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein change instruction information includes change preparation instruction information for preparing a configurational change to the storage device and change execution instruction information for executing the configurational change prepared by means of this change preparation instruction information; and the progress management unit (1) outputs the change preparation information from the change instruction section to the host computer, and (2) outputs the change execution instruction information from the change instruction unit to the host computer when preset execution conditions are fulfilled.
 7. The storage system according to claim 6, wherein the host computer is provided in a plurality; the change preparation instruction information is outputted to each of the host computers; and the change execution instruction information is outputted to a predetermined host computer among the respective host computers.
 8. The storage system according to claim 6, wherein (1) when the change preparation information is inputted, the host computer generates a configuration file relating to the configurational change to the storage device; and (2) when the change execution instruction information is inputted, the host computer orders a configurational change to the storage device on the basis of the configuration information.
 9. A program for controlling a management computer that is capable of managing at least one or more host computers, and at least one or more storage devices that provide the host computers with a storage region, the program allowing a computer to implement: a change instruction function to generate change instruction information allowing an instruction for a configurational change to be issued to the storage device by the host computer on the basis of storage configuration information relating to the storage resources of the storage devices allocated to the host computers, and to output the change instruction information to the host computers; and a progress management function to control the output timing of the change instruction information by the change instruction function.
 10. A storage system that comprises a plurality of host computers, at least one or more storage devices that provide each of the host computers with a volume, and a management computer that manages the storage devices, wherein the management computer comprises a copy condition designation section that designates a copy source volume and copy destination volume, and a copy start condition and copy end condition respectively on the basis of acquired volume information; a copy preparation instruction section that instructs both the host computer comprising the copy source volume and the host computer comprising the copy destination volume to generate configuration information for executing volume copying; a copy execution instruction section that instructs a predetermined host computer among the respective host computers to execute volume copying on the basis of the configuration information; and a copy progress management unit for controlling the operation of the copy preparation instruction section and the copy execution instruction section, wherein the copy progress management unit (1) instructs each of the host computers to generate the configuration information via the copy preparation instruction section; (2) instructs the predetermined host computer to start the volume copying via the copy execution instruction section when the copy start condition is fulfilled; and (3) terminates a predetermined process running on the host computer that is related to the volume copying, on the basis of the copy end condition when the volume copying is complete; and the predetermined host computer comprises: an agent section that communicates with the copy preparation instruction section and the copy execution instruction section; and a copy execution processing unit that is generated on the basis of the configuration information generated by the agent section, wherein the copy execution processing unit starts up on the basis of an instruction from the copy execution instruction section; and the copy execution processing unit stops on the basis of an instruction from the copy progress management unit. 